David Beckham has heaped praise on England and Arsenal forward Alessia Russo ahead of the Women's World Cup.

Ex-Three Lions skipper and Manchester United midfielder Beckham met with Russo before the Lionesses ace headed Down Under for this month's global showpiece in Australia and New Zealand.

Beckham told the 24-year-old Euro 2022 winner: "After last year, I've followed the team and the girls throughout their seasons.

"I've seen the talent and seen the passion that you girls have got. It's incredible to see and it's infectious to see you, as a team, play.

"It was so inspirational. My daughter was talking about it at school with her friends. To hear my daughter get inspired by what you girls were doing was incredible.

"All of a sudden, in the last 10 years, the rise of the women's game, you're starting to see packed-out stadiums. It must make you feel amazing because you've been part of that growth."

Russo, who is set to play a key part for Sarina Wiegman's team this summer, understands the pressure that now comes with playing for the European champions.

She said: "One thing that made last summer so incredible was that every player felt they could play with that freedom and instinct and show a bit of personality which, in a major tournament, sometimes seems quite daunting.

"People say to us now 'do you think you're going to have more pressure on you now you've won the Euros', but we always say England have always had a massive target on their back, men and women, going into tournaments."

Russo opted to leave Manchester United to join the Gunners earlier this month and the 22-cap international added that her goal is to inspire the next generation, similar to how Beckham did during his career for club and country.

Russo said: "Winning trophies is massive in your career but when you see little kids with the names on the back of the shirt, that's what means the most."